What does the Great-tailed Grackle song sound like?

Quiscalus mexicanus

Song Common

Play the real Great-tailed Grackle song, the "kreeee-klik-glup!", and learn what to listen for.

“kreeee-klik-glup!”

What the Great-tailed Grackle song sounds like

The male’s main song is a wild mix of whistles, rattles, and rusty-hinge sounds. It often comes with fluffed feathers, raised wings, and a tail spread like a fan.

“kreeee-klik-glup!”

Birders often file this one under Creaky display song.

How to find the bird singing it

Look for them around wetlands, farm fields, city parks, shopping centers, and roadside ponds. They love open places with water nearby, but they’re just as happy prowling lawns and parking lots for snacks.

Huge tail on the male: The male’s tail is the giveaway: very long, broad, and often folded like a keel or flared into a deep V. In flight, it looks longer and showier than a Common Grackle’s.
Bright yellow eye: Adult males have striking pale yellow eyes that seem to glow against the glossy black head. That fierce stare stands out even at a distance.
Big size difference between sexes: Males are much larger and glossy black-purple. Females are noticeably smaller, warm brown, with a buffy throat and face that can look softly patterned.

When you'll hear it

Spring

Breeding season brings peak display. Males puff up, spread wings, and flash that oversized tail while giving harsh, musical songs from exposed perches.

Summer

Families forage in lawns, fields, and marsh edges. Young birds appear duller and messier, often trailing adults and begging loudly.

Fall

Flocks grow bigger and more restless after breeding. You may see them gathering in open fields or streaming toward evening roosts.

Winter

In many areas they remain common and highly social. Large communal roosts can fill trees, reeds, and city plantings with constant chatter.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

Common Grackle

Smaller overall, with a shorter tail and less dramatic proportions.

Great-tailed Grackle song FAQ

What does a Great-tailed Grackle song sound like?

The male’s main song is a wild mix of whistles, rattles, and rusty-hinge sounds. It often comes with fluffed feathers, raised wings, and a tail spread like a fan. Birders write it as "kreeee-klik-glup!".

How do I tell a Great-tailed Grackle from a Common Grackle by ear?

Common Grackle: Smaller overall, with a shorter tail and less dramatic proportions.; Usually shows a dark eye, not the bright yellow eye of a male Great-tailed..

When is the best time to hear the Great-tailed Grackle song?

They’re around all year in much of their range, but spring and summer are peak drama season. Males display with puffed feathers, raised wings, and that huge tail flared wide, while fall and winter can bring noisy communal roosts in the thousands.

More Great-tailed Grackle sounds

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